Davutoglu’s moment

THE succession was seamless. On August 10th Recep Tayyip Erdogan became Turkey’s first popularly elected president after sweeping 52% of the vote. On August 27th he stepped down from the leadership of his Justice and Development (AK) party at a packed convention in Ankara. His handpicked successor (and foreign minister), Ahmet Davutoglu, was duly elected AK’s new leader. He was due to be sworn in as prime minister after we went to press.

Mr Erdogan outlined his vision for “a new Turkey” in a farewell speech before thousands of party members. Many themes were well worn: a list of AK’s undeniable achievements and Mr Erdogan’s plans for a “new era” (he called it a “holy conquest”) that would bring Turkey more prosperity, piety and global influence.